All 100 questions from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) English Language 2016 Objective paper, with the correct answer and a full explanation for each. Free, no signup needed.
1. Which of the following statements is true according to the passage? A. Suspicion often stimulates inquisitiveness B. Every human conduct often gives rise to curiosity C. Our environment always inhibits curiosity D. Curiosity is effective where there is no room for it
- A. Suspicion often stimulates inquisitivenessCorrect
- B. Every human conduct often gives rise to curiosity
- C. Our environment always inhibits curiosity
- D. Curiosity is effective where there is no room for it
Explanation
This question is a suitability question. It is crystal clear from the passage that 'every human conduct often gives rise to curiosity' according to the first line of the passage.
2. According to the sage, people wonder what is in a sealed telegram because A. it is taken long for the telegram to arrive B. they are naturally curious about things C. the information is vital to them D. it is their responsibility to know
- A. it is taken long for the telegram to arrive
- B. they are naturally curious about thingsCorrect
- C. the information is vital to them
- D. it is their responsibility to know
Explanation
This question is direct. People sincerely wonder what is in the telegram owing to normal curiosity about things.
3. The word 'absorbed', as used in the passage, means A. disturbed B. engrossed C. covered D. entailed
- A. disturbed
- B. engrossedCorrect
- C. covered
- D. entailed
Explanation
This question is interpretative. The word absorbed as used in second line of the first paragraph contextually means: engrossed.
4. From the passage, it can be deduced that curiosity thrives through A. conducts that are inimical to our activities B. if we are able to probe into what others are thinking C. only if we become suspicious of people's motives D. if the discussion is of interest to us
- A. conducts that are inimical to our activities
- B. if we are able to probe into what others are thinking
- C. only if we become suspicious of people's motivesCorrect
- D. if the discussion is of interest to us
Explanation
This can be deduced from meticulous analysis of the passage that 'curiosity thrives only if we become suspicious of people's motives'.
5. The author seems to suggest that curiosity is A. misleading B. inborn C. learned D. acquired
- A. misleading
- B. inbornCorrect
- C. learned
- D. acquired
Explanation
This question is interpretative and contextual. Truly, curiosity is inborn.
6. The fact that the bees landed on the blue paper showed that they A. responded to sugary water B. responded to the intensity of light C. could not see a difference D. responded to colours
- A. responded to sugary water
- B. responded to the intensity of light
- C. could not see a difference
- D. responded to coloursCorrect
Explanation
It is contextual and interpretative question and the right option here is 'responded to colours'.
7. When bees are trained continually, they A. condition themselves to feed on bowls B. respond to sugary water in all colours C. land on blue and grey coloured papers D. respond to different coloured papers
- A. condition themselves to feed on bowls
- B. respond to sugary water in all colours
- C. land on blue and grey coloured papers
- D. respond to different coloured papersCorrect
Explanation
This is contextual and interpretative question and the right sentence is 'respond to different coloured papers'.
8. From the passage, we learn that some insects notably A. can distinguish between black and red B. cannot see red but black C. cannot distinguish between red and black D. can see red but not black
- A. can distinguish between black and red
- B. cannot see red but black
- C. cannot distinguish between red and blackCorrect
- D. can see red but not black
Explanation
This is a suitability question and the best option statement is 'cannot distinguish between red and black'.
9. The word 'intensity', as used in the passage, means A. scheme B. flare C. instinct D. force
- A. schemeCorrect
- B. flare
- C. instinct
- D. force
Explanation
The word intensity interpretatively means 'scheme'.
10. From the passage, one can conclude that A. curiosity is misleading B. inborn C. learned D. acquired
- A. curiosity is misleading
- B. inborn
- C. learned
- D. acquiredCorrect
Explanation
(Repeated theme question; per key context, the option matching acquired traits applies here.)
11. The passage below has gaps. Immediately following each gap, four options are provided. Choose the most appropriate option for gap 11. ...their children's [11]... A. insignificant B. prestigious C. inferior D. debased professions
- A. insignificant
- B. prestigious
- C. inferior
- D. debasedCorrect
Explanation
Remember, as audience is to theatre, congregation is to church, etc likewise spectator is to sports. Without mincing words, spectator is a person who watches a show, game, or other event.
12. [Passage 3 - Boxing] Gap 12: Boxing appeals to the lowest instincts the... [12]... A. agitators B. witnesses C. congregations D. spectators who have come to watch blood flow
- A. agitators
- B. witnesses
- C. congregations
- D. spectatorsCorrect
Explanation
In this context, bout means organized fight in boxing or wrestling.
13. Gap 13: The referee sometimes allows the... [13]... to go on for long so that one of the boxers are not well A. bout B. match C. performance D. contest
- A. boutCorrect
- B. match
- C. performance
- D. contest
Explanation
It is lucid under the language of boxing that groomed means: a process of preparing or training someone for a particular purpose or activity.
14. Gap 14: [continuing boxing passage] the... A. assailants B. disputants C. contestants D. brawlers
- A. assailants
- B. disputants
- C. contestantsCorrect
- D. brawlers
Explanation
The most suitable word among the given options is contestant. Technically, it depicts a person who takes part in a contest or competition.
15. Gap 15: ...boxers are not well groomed C. sparred D. staged one boxer becomes much stronger than the other, as a result of which... A. leveled B. groomed C. sparred D. staged
- A. leveled
- B. groomedCorrect
- C. sparred
- D. staged
Explanation
The word simply means: an act to underestimate the extent, value, or importance of someone or something.
16. Gap 16: ...which he so much... A. overrates B. outclassess C. outshines D. underrates
- A. overratesCorrect
- B. outclassess
- C. outshines
- D. underrates
Explanation
This question falls under number reality agreement.
17. Gap 17: ...opponent that he wins... A. by knock-out B. by a knock-down C. by a punch-up D. by a punch down
- A. by knock-outCorrect
- B. by a knock-down
- C. by a punch-up
- D. by a punch down
Explanation
Knockout or KO occurs when a boxer is hit hard and loses consciousness.
18. Gap 18: ...many boxers have suffered permanent brain... A. fatigue B. clutter C. rattle D. rocket
- A. fatigue
- B. clutter
- C. rattleCorrect
- D. rocket
Explanation
There is a clear dichotomy between damage and damages. Here, damage means: physical harm that impairs the value, usefulness, or normal function of something.
19. Gap 19: ...punches that have been thrown at the man during their... A. barrage B. vacation C. career D. routine
- A. barrageCorrect
- B. vacation
- C. career
- D. routine
Explanation
In this context, barrage means a number of punches thrown.
20. Gap 20: ...it may happen that boxers are not well... A. groomed B. calling C. vacation D. routine
- A. groomed
- B. calling
- C. vacation
- D. routineCorrect
Explanation
Career means: an occupation undertaken for a significant period of a person's life and with opportunities for progress.
21. At the end of term Nene was saddled with the responsibility of A. leading her house for the race B. packaging the gifts for presentation C. arranging the school hall for dinner D. organizing the carol night
- A. leading her house for the race
- B. packaging the gifts for presentation
- C. arranging the school hall for dinner
- D. organizing the carol nightCorrect
Explanation
Nene was saddled with the purview of organizing the carol night due to her vast societal knowledge.
22. Efua was not in the good books of teachers at Forcados High School because A. the students of Forcados did not like her B. she was expelled from her previous school C. she bribed the principal before she was admitted D. her admission into senior class was unusual
- A. the students of Forcados did not like her
- B. she was expelled from her previous school
- C. she bribed the principal before she was admitted
- D. her admission into senior class was unusualCorrect
Explanation
The reason is not far-fetched from the fact that 'her admission into Forcados High school was unusual'.
23. In the novel, Ansa looked around glumly when Jimi was engrossed in laughter and chatter because he was A. neglected by Jimi B. anxious to go home C. distracted by a band playing on the field D. given twelve strokes of the cane by the principal
- A. neglected by JimiCorrect
- B. anxious to go home
- C. distracted by a band playing on the field
- D. given twelve strokes of the cane by the principal
Explanation
Ansa looked around glumly when Jimi Solade neglected him.
24. Mama Silifat always has an affection for Jimi because she always gave him money to buy chewing gum. B. advice against bad students C. he courage to do well in his class D. the largest pieces of puff-puff
- A. gave him money to buy chewing gum
- B. advice against bad students
- C. courage to do well in his class
- D. the largest pieces of puff-puffCorrect
Explanation
Mama Silifat always sells puff-puff and akara outside the school premises. She is fond of Jimi whom she addresses by his full name Akinjimi or omo mi (my child).
25. Ansa made this statement while addressing A. Efua and Nene
- A. Efua and Nene
- B. -
- C. -
- D. -Correct
Explanation
Ansa made this statement while addressing Efua and Nene.
26. The speculation amongst the students of Forcados High School was that Jimi was A. dating Risikat B. joking with Caro C. dating Novi D. dating Efua
- A. dating Risikat
- B. joking with Caro
- C. dating Novi
- D. dating EfuaCorrect
Explanation
The speculation was that Jimi was dating the new student from St Catherine High school: Efua.
27. Mr Solade sent Jimi to Ibadan for the holidays in order to A. save Jimi from Wole's bad influence B. heed Jimi's request to stay with his uncles C. allow Jimi spend some time with his friends D. allow Jimi to know more about Ibadan
- A. save Jimi from Wole's bad influenceCorrect
- B. heed Jimi's request to stay with his uncles
- C. allow Jimi spend some time with his friends
- D. allow Jimi to know more about Ibadan
Explanation
This was to protect Jimi from Wole's bad influence.
28. Students refused to sympathize with Efua when drinks spilled on her because A. she would not accept their sympathy B. she was Jimi's only girlfriend C. they planned it to disgrace her D. they felt she was arrogant
- A. she would not accept their sympathy
- B. she was Jimi's only girlfriend
- C. they planned it to disgrace her
- D. they felt she was arrogantCorrect
Explanation
Other students at Forcados High School always see her as an arrogant student.
29. Which of the following best describes Mr Mallum? A. He was a fat, tall man with wimpish behavior B. He was a tall, wiry man with good diction C. He was crude, rash and impatient D. He was a small, wiry man with odd accent
- A. He was a fat, tall man with wimpish behavior
- B. He was a tall, wiry man with good dictionCorrect
- C. He was crude, rash and impatient
- D. He was a small, wiry man with odd accent
Explanation
Mr Mallum is a Principal at Forcados High school. He never addressed his students by their first name except Jimi, the day Efua made him realize he hadn't cared enough about his students.
30. According to the novel, Efua was in Forcados High School because A. her stepfather was a board member B. of her former principal's recommendation C. the school needed her mother's support D. of aunt Moni's gift to the school
- A. her stepfather was a board member
- B. of her former principal's recommendationCorrect
- C. the school needed her mother's support
- D. of aunt Moni's gift to the school
Explanation
Efua's former principal recommendation secured her admission into Forcados. Though, she was placed on probation at first.
31. Jimi and Efua, there's something fishy going on there.... From the excerpt above, the expression 'something fishy' shows Nene's fear that Efua and Jimi were no longer going out A. Nenes fear that Efua and Jimi were no longer going out B. Nenes fear that Jimi was not determined to jilt Efua C. Nene's annoyance that Efua might snatch Jimi from her D. Nene's suspicion that Jimi and Efua were having a relationship
- A. Nenes fear that Efua and Jimi were no longer going out
- B. Nenes fear that Jimi was not determined to jilt Efua
- C. Nene's annoyance that Efua might snatch Jimi from her
- D. Nene's suspicion that Jimi and Efua were having a relationshipCorrect
Explanation
Nene's inkling perspective towards Jimi and Efua's relationship.
32. Seyi Lawal, the head boy of the school, was described as someone who A. loved his job B. hated Physics practical C. loved interacting with girls D. hated hard-work
- A. loved his jobCorrect
- B. hated Physics practical
- C. loved interacting with girls
- D. hated hard-work
Explanation
Seyi Lawal is the head boy at Forcados High School who interestingly loves his job.
33. The author uses the novel to portray sonic of the A. NGO's activities only B. environmental conditions C. feelings of teachers only D. societal problems
- A. NGO's activities only
- B. environmental conditions
- C. feelings of teachers only
- D. societal problemsCorrect
Explanation
It is a realistic story that depicts a typical contemporary society. The writer comments on the ills of the modern world.
34. Efua's guarded and hostile attitude towards boys could be traced to the A. teachings she had from her cleric B. stories she had heard from her aunt C. experience she had with her stepfather D. her innate sense of justice
- A. teachings she had from her cleric
- B. stories she had heard from her aunt
- C. experience she had with her stepfatherCorrect
- D. her innate sense of justice
Explanation
The molesting and harassing she had from her stepfather when she was thirteen caused her hostile attitude towards boys.
35. Jimi was very prominent in Forcados High School because he was A. the son of a great scholar B. the only child of his parents C. one of the school prefects D. noted for his good paintings
- A. the son of a great scholar
- B. the only child of his parents
- C. one of the school prefectsCorrect
- D. noted for his good paintings
Explanation
Jimi Solade is a sixteen year old high school in his final year at school, Forcados High School is the central character in the story.
36. For this question, select the option that best explains the information conveyed: 'bore the brunt' means A. to suffer the worst part of an unpleasant or problematic situation B. to enjoy the best part of a situation C. to avoid a difficult situation D. to ignore a problem
- A. to suffer the worst part of an unpleasant or problematic situationCorrect
- B. to enjoy the best part of a situation
- C. to avoid a difficult situation
- D. to ignore a problem
Explanation
The idiomatic meaning of 'bore the brunt' is: to suffer the worst part of an unpleasant or problematic situation.
37. 'well off' means A. someone who is rich enough to be able to do and buy most things B. someone who is healthy C. someone who works hard D. someone who is generous
- A. someone who is rich enough to be able to do and buy most thingsCorrect
- B. someone who is healthy
- C. someone who works hard
- D. someone who is generous
Explanation
The adjective 'well off' simply means someone who is rich enough to be able to do and buy most things.
38. 'a yeoman's service' means A. minimal help B. no help at all C. temporary help D. efficient or useful help in need
- A. minimal help
- B. no help at all
- C. temporary help
- D. efficient or useful help in needCorrect
Explanation
The statement 'yeoman's service' simply means: efficient or useful help in need.
39. 'in the thick of an activity' means A. at the periphery of an activity B. barely involved in an activity C. finishing an activity D. very involved in an activity or situation
- A. at the periphery of an activity
- B. barely involved in an activity
- C. finishing an activity
- D. very involved in an activity or situationCorrect
Explanation
If you are in the thick of an activity or situation, you are very involved in it.
40. 'to start fighting after a disagreement' is the meaning of the expression A. to bury the hatchet B. to fight tooth and nail C. to come to blows D. to draw the line
- A. to bury the hatchet
- B. to fight tooth and nail
- C. to come to blowsCorrect
- D. to draw the line
Explanation
This expression simply means: they want to start fighting after a disagreement.
41. Definition of 'cut one's own throat' A. to do something that is bad for oneself; to act in a way that will cause unnecessary harm B. to succeed against all odds C. to help another person selflessly D. to escape a dangerous situation
- A. to do something that is bad for oneself; to act in a way that will cause unnecessary harmCorrect
- B. to succeed against all odds
- C. to help another person selflessly
- D. to escape a dangerous situation
Explanation
For instance, they ended up cutting their own throats when they raised prices, because their customers went elsewhere.
42. 'the thin end of the wedge' means A. an obvious solution to a problem B. a large-scale change all at once C. the inconspicuous beginning or initial stage of something that will be unfavorable, cause problems, or bring decline D. a positive turning point
- A. an obvious solution to a problem
- B. a large-scale change all at once
- C. the inconspicuous beginning or initial stage of something that will be unfavorable, cause problems, or bring declineCorrect
- D. a positive turning point
Explanation
This idiomatic statement means: the inconspicuous beginning or initial stage of something that will be unfavorable, cause problems, or bring decline.
43. 'a fair crack of the whip' definition A. an equal chance to do something B. a harsh punishment C. an unfair advantage D. a difficult challenge
- A. an equal chance to do somethingCorrect
- B. a harsh punishment
- C. an unfair advantage
- D. a difficult challenge
Explanation
A fair crack of the whip definition: an equal chance to do something. Lord Gaffy gives his students a fair crack of the whip.
44. 'bolt from the blue' or 'a bolt out of the blue' means A. a long-expected event B. a gradual change C. a sudden or unexpected event D. a planned surprise
- A. a long-expected event
- B. a gradual change
- C. a sudden or unexpected event
- D. a planned surpriseCorrect
Explanation
Idiomatically, bolt from the blue or a bolt out of the blue means a sudden or unexpected event.
45. Definition of 'nose around' A. to openly ask for information B. to search for something (such as private or hidden information) in a quiet or secret way C. to ignore information given to you D. to publicly announce information
- A. to openly ask for information
- B. to search for something (such as private or hidden information) in a quiet or secret wayCorrect
- C. to ignore information given to you
- D. to publicly announce information
Explanation
Example: Annat caught him nosing around in her office.
46. 'Blight' (noun) means A. a favourable condition B. ruin, plague, bane, scourge, infestation and calamity C. a small gift D. a joyous celebration
- A. a favourable condition
- B. ruin, plague, bane, scourge, infestation and calamityCorrect
- C. a small gift
- D. a joyous celebration
Explanation
The best option is C(context): improve (verb) depicts ameliorate, make better, rectify, embellish and revamp.
47. Nearest in meaning to 'decrepit' (as used in a phrase about an improved film) A. improved B. assuaged, perfect, emendated and uplift C. deteriorated D. contrary
- A. improvedCorrect
- B. assuaged, perfect, emendated and uplift
- C. deteriorated
- D. contrary
Explanation
An improved unlike decrepit means assuaged, perfect, emendated and uplift. In contrary, other words for decrepit are weak, feeble, dilapidated, antiquated and deteriorated.
48. Words akin to 'carping' are A. faultfinding, nagging, caviling, scoffing and belittling B. praising and complimenting C. ignoring and ridiculing D. helping and assisting
- A. faultfinding, nagging, caviling, scoffing and belittlingCorrect
- B. praising and complimenting
- C. ignoring and ridiculing
- D. helping and assisting
Explanation
Although, other words akin to carping are: faultfinding, nagging, caviling, scoffing and belittling. Yet, the best opposite is praising.
49. Antonyms of 'invigorated' are A. energized and strengthened B. debilitated, weaken, enfeebled, fatigued, emasculated, aggravated and exacerbated C. relaxed D. calmed
- A. energized and strengthened
- B. debilitated, weaken, enfeebled, fatigued, emasculated, aggravated and exacerbatedCorrect
- C. relaxed
- D. calmed
Explanation
The antonyms of invigorated are: debilitated, weaken, enfeebled, fatigued, emasculated, aggravated and exacerbated.
50. Antonyms of the word 'ludicrous' are A. odd, preeminence, and disparity B. sensible and reasonable C. funny and absurd D. strange
- A. odd, preeminence, and disparityCorrect
- B. sensible and reasonable
- C. funny and absurd
- D. strange
Explanation
The antonyms of the word ludicrous are: odd, preeminence, and disparity.
51. Find the antonym for 'cringe' (adj.) A. resolute, determined, steadfast, unflinching, purposive and undeviating B. shy C. timid D. fearful
- A. resolute, determined, steadfast, unflinching, purposive and undeviatingCorrect
- B. shy
- C. timid
- D. fearful
Explanation
The antonyms of cringe are: resolute (adj.), determined, steadfast, unflinching, purposive and undeviating.
52. Antonyms of 'galvanized' are A. shocked B. promoted, encouraged, strengthen, contributed to, etc. C. weakened D. discouraged
- A. shocked
- B. promoted, encouraged, strengthen, contributed to, etc.
- C. weakened
- D. discouragedCorrect
Explanation
Antonyms of galvanized are: promoted, encouraged, strengthen, contributed to, etc. (per official key, the right answer is D).
53. Antonyms of 'gawky' are A. tall B. skillful, awkward, unfitting, etc. C. clumsy D. graceful
- A. tall
- B. skillful, awkward, unfitting, etc.Correct
- C. clumsy
- D. graceful
Explanation
The antonyms of gawky are: clumsy, awkward, unskillful, inept, unfitting, etc.
54. Antonyms of 'flux' are A. change B. movement C. instability D. stability, balance, fixedness, fixity, steadiness, inertia, changeless, etc.
- A. change
- B. movement
- C. instability
- D. stability, balance, fixedness, fixity, steadiness, inertia, changeless, etc.Correct
Explanation
Antonyms of flux are: stability, balance, fixedness, fixity, steadiness, inertia, changeless, etc.
55. Antonyms of 'exuberant' are A. subdued, quite, tranquil, calm, unresponsive, etc. B. lively C. energetic D. bright
- A. subdued, quite, tranquil, calm, unresponsive, etc.Correct
- B. lively
- C. energetic
- D. bright
Explanation
The antonyms of exuberant are: subdued, quite, tranquil, calm, unresponsive, etc.
56. Synonyms of 'fickle' (adj.) nearest in meaning to the italicized word A. dependable B. unpredictable, erratic, indecisive, treacherous, undisciplined, perfidious, etc. C. loyal D. calm
- A. dependable
- B. unpredictable, erratic, indecisive, treacherous, undisciplined, perfidious, etc.
- C. loyal
- D. calmCorrect
Explanation
Synonyms of fickle (adj.): unpredictable, erratic, indecisive, treacherous, undisciplined, perfidious, etc.
57. Synonyms for 'gruff' A. gentle B. soft C. husky, coarse, hefty, stout, burly, strapping, etc. D. quiet
- A. gentle
- B. soft
- C. husky, coarse, hefty, stout, burly, strapping, etc.Correct
- D. quiet
Explanation
Synonyms of gruff: husky, coarse, hefty, stout, burly, strapping, etc.
58. Synonyms of 'fraught' (adj.) A. easy B. simple C. relaxed D. difficult, full of, teeming with, strenuousness, arduous, etc.
- A. easy
- B. simple
- C. relaxed
- D. difficult, full of, teeming with, strenuousness, arduous, etc.Correct
Explanation
Synonyms of fraught (adj.): difficult, full of, teeming with, strenuousness, arduous, etc.
59. Synonyms for 'scowled' A. smiled B. laughed C. screamed and squealed D. relaxed
- A. smiled
- B. laughed
- C. screamed and squealed
- D. relaxedCorrect
Explanation
Synonyms for scowled: screamed and squealed (per official key, D marked as answer).
60. Synonyms of 'obviate' A. prevent, hinder, impede, thwart, etc. B. encourage C. promote D. support
- A. prevent, hinder, impede, thwart, etc.Correct
- B. encourage
- C. promote
- D. support
Explanation
Synonyms of obviate: prevent, hinder, impede, thwart, etc.
61. Synonyms of 'hoodwinked' (v.) A. informed B. lured, deceived, ensnared, duped, tricked, etc. C. helped D. guided
- A. informed
- B. lured, deceived, ensnared, duped, tricked, etc.Correct
- C. helped
- D. guided
Explanation
Synonyms of hoodwinked (v.): lured, deceived, ensnared, duped, tricked, etc.
62. Synonyms of 'gaiety' A. exhilaration, cheerfulness, gladness, jubilation, joyfulness, exultation, etc. B. sadness C. anger D. boredom
- A. exhilaration, cheerfulness, gladness, jubilation, joyfulness, exultation, etc.
- B. sadness
- C. anger
- D. boredomCorrect
Explanation
Synonyms of gaiety: exhilaration, cheerfulness, gladness, jubilation, joyfulness, exultation, etc. (per key, D marked).
63. Synonyms of 'pungent' (adj.) A. bland B. mild C. acrid, sour, irritating, acidulous, tart, etc. D. sweet
- A. bland
- B. mild
- C. acrid, sour, irritating, acidulous, tart, etc.
- D. sweetCorrect
Explanation
Synonyms of pungent (adj.): acrid, sour, irritating, acidulous, tart, etc.
64. Synonyms of 'languid' A. sluggish, weak, feeble, unhealthy, flagging, inactive, etc. B. energetic C. lively D. active
- A. sluggish, weak, feeble, unhealthy, flagging, inactive, etc.
- B. energeticCorrect
- C. lively
- D. active
Explanation
Synonyms of languid: sluggish, weak, feeble, unhealthy, flagging, inactive, etc.
65. Synonyms of 'heckled' A. supported B. shouted down, interrupted, disrupted, embarrassed, etc. C. praised D. welcomed
- A. supported
- B. shouted down, interrupted, disrupted, embarrassed, etc.
- C. praisedCorrect
- D. welcomed
Explanation
Synonyms of heckled: shouted down, interrupted, disrupted, embarrassed, etc.
66. The book __ sell in ____ A. hundreds of thousands B. a hundred thousand C. hundreds of thousand D. hundred thousands
- A. hundreds of thousands
- B. a hundred thousand
- C. hundreds of thousandCorrect
- D. hundred thousands
Explanation
The question falls under number reality agreement. Remember, it is grammatically correct to say: Hundreds of students have been killed. Likewise, it is ungrammatical to say: two hundreds of students have been killed.
67. We must be ready to cater for ____ A. the poors and needy B. poor and needs C. the poor and needy D. poors and needs
- A. the poors and needy
- B. poor and needs
- C. the poor and needyCorrect
- D. poors and needs
Explanation
This question is from categorisation concord. When a collective name, denoting category (not collective noun) is involved, the verb to be used should be plural. Here, the poor means: the poor people.
68. After a three-day meeting, two presidents issued a ____ calling for peace. A. bulletin B. memorandum C. communiqué D. directive
- A. bulletin
- B. memorandumCorrect
- C. communiqué
- D. directive
Explanation
The word memorandum is the most suitable option. It simply means: a usually brief written message or report from one person or department in a company or organization to another. Besides, an informal written record of an agreement that has not yet become official.
69. Timi has gone to Lagos and he will be back in ____ time. A. two's week B. two week's C. two weeks D. two weeks'
- A. two's week
- B. two week's
- C. two weeksCorrect
- D. two weeks'
Explanation
The question is from genitive case in noun. Grammatically, you are to treat sake and time as people who possess things. Therefore, singular sentence with take apostrophe before 's' while statement will take apostrophe after the 's' except in some situations like: denominalised adjective or in spellings like: Moses, Jesus, etc.
70. The students have not come back from the school farm, ____? A. hadn't they B. have they C. didn't they D. isn't it
- A. hadn't they
- B. have theyCorrect
- C. didn't they
- D. isn't it
Explanation
It is a question from question tag. Don't forget that, if a statement is positive, the question must be negative. The students have not(negative) will attract have they(positive). The word not made the statement negative. It is also called negators.
71. 'Do not forget to reply ____' said the teacher. A. my letter B. for my letter C. of my letter D. to my letter
- A. my letterCorrect
- B. for my letter
- C. of my letter
- D. to my letter
Explanation
My letter is a lucid and suitable option for this question.
72. You will need ____ to help the investigations. A. this information B. this informations C. these information D. these informations
- A. this informationCorrect
- B. this informations
- C. these information
- D. these informations
Explanation
Remember, it is ungrammatical to pluralise uncountable nouns. There is nothing like: informations, equipments, luggages, furnitures, etc. More so, any verb that must come before uncountable nouns must be a singular verb.
73. Ada did not find ____ in the house. A. anyone B. some one C. somebody D. someone
- A. anyoneCorrect
- B. some one
- C. somebody
- D. someone
Explanation
This question falls under lexical negators and correct use of indefinite pronouns.
74. The ____ discouraged me from reading it. A. story length B. length of the story C. stories length D. story's length
- A. story length
- B. length of the storyCorrect
- C. stories length
- D. story's length
Explanation
When a non living thing is talked about in possessive nouns, it is grammatically wise to avoid apostrophe and use of to show the possession. The table's leg(it is wrong). Instead, it is the leg of the table.
75. Ado said that he ____ much to travel to Lagos. A. want B. has been wanting very much to travel to Lagos C. wanted very much to travel to Lagos D. will want very much to travel to Lagos
- A. want
- B. has been wanting very much to travel to Lagos
- C. wanted very much to travel to Lagos
- D. will want very much to travel to LagosCorrect
Explanation
This question falls under grammatical rankscale. Interestingly, the object mobile like adjunct, conjunct and disjunct.
76. Bola takes ____ his father both in appearance and his manner. A. On B. From C. After D. Upon
- A. On
- B. From
- C. AfterCorrect
- D. Upon
Explanation
Take after is a phrasal verb that means: resemble a parent or ancestor.
77. ____ rich has its own problem. A. Being B. Keen C. On being D. On been
- A. BeingCorrect
- B. Keen
- C. On being
- D. On been
Explanation
It is strictly correct application of verb Be. Remember: is, am, are, were, was, been, being and to be.
78. The doctor listened to my heartbeat with a ____ A. cardiograph B. stethoscope C. chromometer D. microscope
- A. cardiograph
- B. stethoscopeCorrect
- C. chromometer
- D. microscope
Explanation
From the language of medicine, stethoscope means: a medical instrument for listening to the action of someone's heart or breathing, typically having a small disc-shaped resonator that is placed against the chest, and two tubes connected to earpieces.
79. With strong determination, Adamu was able to ____ the problem. A. surmount B. surpass C. defend D. know
- A. surmountCorrect
- B. surpass
- C. defend
- D. know
Explanation
The word 'surmount' which means overcome a difficulty or obstacle is the most suitable word that can flow in this sentence.
80. It is impossible to say whether Ola and her sister will be offered jobs by the firm. A. both B. either C. each D. neither
- A. bothCorrect
- B. either
- C. each
- D. neither
Explanation
This question falls under determiners. As a matter of fact, we always use both to refer to two things or people together.
81. He decided to wait for the bus because he had ____ A. many luggages B. plenty luggages C. a lot of luggage D. too many luggage
- A. many luggages
- B. plenty luggages
- C. a lot of luggageCorrect
- D. too many luggage
Explanation
It is important to pluralise uncountable nouns. Hence, it is 'luggage' and not 'luggages'.
82. ____ lawyers enrolled at the Nigerian Bar last year ____ this year. A. Many/than B. Very many/than C. Same/as D. More/than
- A. Many/than
- B. Very many/than
- C. Same/asCorrect
- D. More/than
Explanation
Interestingly, more is a determiner that is most suitable to serve as an antecedent of people. While, than is used in introducing the second element in a comparison or used in expressions introducing an exception or contrast.
83. The officer ____ that ire was not supposed to talk to the press on the matter. A. could have known B. shall know C. should have known D. will know
- A. could have known
- B. shall know
- C. should have knownCorrect
- D. will know
Explanation
This question falls under modal auxiliary verbs. Grammatically, should is the most suitable word in this context.
84. He said, 'We shouldn't do it ____?' A. should we B. should he C. didn't we D. said he
- A. should weCorrect
- B. should he
- C. didn't we
- D. said he
Explanation
It is trite in English that positive statement attracts negative question.
85. After too much exercise, some people suffer from cramp winch is caused by the ____ of the muscles. A. restriction B. conscription C. relaxation D. contraction
- A. restrictionCorrect
- B. conscription
- C. relaxation
- D. contraction
Explanation
The word contraction means: an act of decreasing the size of something or shortening it, or it can be the process of becoming smaller or compressed.
86. Choose the option that has the same vowel sound as the ones represented by the letter(s) underlined: 'Reprieve' A. rich B. police C. queer D. probity
- A. rich
- B. policeCorrect
- C. queer
- D. probity
Explanation
It is only police and reprieve that share the same long vowel sound. Hence, inculcate the following words in your vade mecum for your forthcoming examination: machine, prestige, complete, key, quay, tree, sweet, etc.
87. Choose the option that has the same vowel sound as the ones underlined: 'Door' A. food B. cough C. sure D. board
- A. food
- B. coughCorrect
- C. sure
- D. board
Explanation
It is only door and board that share long vowel sound. Therefore, you are to take cognizance of the following words that share the same sound: awe, ball, talk, fall, lawyer, or, fore, naught, bore, lord, core, north etc.
88. Choose the option with the same vowel sound as 'Famous' A. soup B. cook C. pilot D. colonel
- A. soup
- B. cook
- C. pilotCorrect
- D. colonel
Explanation
Famous and pilot share the same short vowel sound. So, other related words are: nervous, offend, doctor, tutor, creator, nurture, rapture, culture, beautiful, doctor, bottom, havoc, teacher, etc.
89. Choose the option that has the same consonant sound as the ones represented by the letter(s) underlined: 'Choice' A. schedule B. teach C. leisure D. machine
- A. schedule
- B. teachCorrect
- C. leisure
- D. machine
Explanation
It is only choice and teach that share the same consonant sound. For the sake of exams, the following words share the same sound with choice: chair, church, factual, cheer, stanch, rich, etc.
90. Choose the option with the same consonant sound as 'Yet' A. bury B. way C. vessel D. Europe
- A. bury
- B. way
- C. vessel
- D. EuropeCorrect
Explanation
Phonological, it is only yet and Europe that share the same sound. Other similar words are: year, you, ewe, uniform, unity, eulogy, value, view, duty, etc.
91. Choose the options that rhyme with 'Tasked' A. bagged B. floored C. laughed D. shouted
- A. bagged
- B. floored
- C. laughedCorrect
- D. shouted
Explanation
Interestingly, any verb ending in soundless sound: /p/,/k/,/s/,/r/,etc whose past tense is formed by adding 'ed' will have its pronunciation as /t/.
92. Choose the option that rhymes with 'Risen' A. prison B. motion C. portion D. rising
- A. prisonCorrect
- B. motion
- C. portion
- D. rising
Explanation
Risen and prison share the same rhyme.
93. Choose the option that rhymes with 'Terror' A. tenor B. warrior C. error D. furrow
- A. tenor
- B. warrior
- C. errorCorrect
- D. furrow
Explanation
Error is the only option that shares the same rhyme with terror.
94. Choose the option that rhymes with 'Crowd' A. crow B. bard C. a loud D. craw
- A. crow
- B. bard
- C. a loudCorrect
- D. craw
Explanation
Aloud is the only word in the given options that share the same rhyme as crowd. Other options house another rhymes.
95. From these questions, choose the most appropriate stress pattern from the options. The stressed syllables are written in capital letter(s): 'Inoffensive' A. inOffensive B. inoFFENsive C. inoffensiVE D. Inoffensive
- A. inOffensive
- B. inoFFENsive
- C. inoffensiVECorrect
- D. Inoffensive
Explanation
In poly syllabic words, it is wrong to always stress the prefixes and suffix. Hence, this is applicable in 'inoFFENsive'.
96. 'Obligation' A. obliGAtion B. OBligation C. obligaTION D. obligation
- A. obliGAtion
- B. OBligation
- C. obligaTIONCorrect
- D. obligation
Explanation
Mostly, noun ending in 'ION' always has its stress before 'ION'.
97. 'Disagreement' A. disAgreement B. disaGREEment C. DiSagreement D. disagreeMENT
- A. disAgreement
- B. disaGREEmentCorrect
- C. DiSagreement
- D. disagreeMENT
Explanation
Word ending in 'MENT' always has the way you would have stressed it in its base form. To stress the word disagreement, is to wit first stress 'agree'. Here, the correct answer is 'disaGREEment'.
98. In each of questions 98-100, the words in capital letters have the emphatic stress. Choose the option to which the given sentence relates: 'The car CRUSHED him' A. Who did the car crush? B. Did a car crush him? C. What crushed him? D. Did the car injure him?
- A. Who did the car crush?
- B. Did a car crush him?
- C. What crushed him?
- D. Did the car injure him?Correct
Explanation
Option D is the only question without the rubric word.
99. 'Lamide is VERY hostile' A. Is Lamide so hostile? B. Is Lamide friendly? C. Was Lamide very hostile? D. Who is hostile?
- A. Is Lamide so hostile?Correct
- B. Is Lamide friendly?
- C. Was Lamide very hostile?
- D. Who is hostile?
Explanation
It is only option A that satisfies the condition of emphatic stress.
100. 'My house is a BUNGALOW' A. Is my house a terrace? B. was my house a bungalow? C. Is my house the bungalow? D. Is his house a bungalow
- A. Is my house a terrace?Correct
- B. was my house a bungalow?
- C. Is my house the bungalow?
- D. Is his house a bungalow
Explanation
Option A is correct due to the fact that it contains an extra word (terrace).